Originally published in Luso News Spring Edition 2024.

Just as it sounds, horse agility is very similar to dog agility. It consists of a course of obstacles, ranging from bridges and narrow gaps to jumping through hoops and walking over teeter-totters or tarpaulins. The lower levels are mostly walked and are done in hand.

As the levels progress, more work is done leading from different positions, with the horse at liberty or further away from the handler, just as in dog agility.

It is an excellent way to help train young horses, getting them used to lots of different scary monsters, like crisp packets and plastic bottles, that they will come across in the wider world. It is equally beneficial for older horses, or those no longer able to be ridden, who still want a job to do. It is open to all; happy hackers, dressage horses, and eventers all benefit from horse agility.

This is what the International Horse Agility Club website says;

"Horse Agility is great at keeping your horse fit physically and emotionally. As safety is a very large part of the training for Horse Agility, it will help you and your horse to build a more confident relationship when working together".

• There are lots of benefits to taking part in agility. These include:
• Helping build a very close relationship with your horse. It's not just about completing the obstacles but how you complete them that matters
• Getting horses used to various obstacles, such as narrow gaps, changes in footing, and scary objects, in a safe and controlled (hopefully) way.
• Keeping your horse’s mind working constructively.
• It's a great way to meet like-minded people who may think the same way about their horse’s potential other than as a ridden horse.
• Horse agility has a level structure built into the competitions, so there is always a new skill to learn and improve.
• Horse Agility welcomes all equines (not just horses) and is open to any size pony or horse, donkeys and mules, from miniatures to giants—there is no size limit.
• Horse Agility is suitable for ridden and unridden equines; they just need to be in good physical condition. There is much evidence to suggest that the sport can enhance ridden work. There are walk-only classes for horses or humans who may struggle with faster movement.
• Horse Agility welcomes everyone— children and adults of all ages, fitness levels and abilities; the people do the training, and the horse does most of the energetic bit!
• There are only 2 solid rules for horse agility “Stay safe” and “Have fun”

Many training methods can be used when training, but when competing, no whips or sticks are allowed. In fact, only a halter and lead rope are allowed for the in-hand classes. For the higher liberty levels, the horse should be wearing no equipment at all.

There is also an equagility option that combines in-hand agility with riding. This consists of 5 obstacles that are completed in hand or at liberty before being ridden with a headcollar and one or two reins or even just a neck rope.

Several clubs around the UK offer training sessions and competitions run by accredited trainers. I am the only accredited trainer currently on the Isle of Man and am also available to help via email or video if needed.

You can also join the International Agility Club, take online classes from home, and gain points toward the leagues.

That’s what horse agility is, but why do I do it?

Learning good manners, respect for your space, and a genuine interest in joining you on each new adventure have been additional bonuses. I’m not the biggest or strongest, so teaching my horses to respond to voice or hand signals has made my life so much safer.

Catching them in the field, or turning out, it’s not a drama requiring a hard hat and a stick to keep me safe due to their own opinions and agendas. One of mine was like that when she first arrived. At her previous stables, the staff used to draw lots. The loser had to turn out or bring in. She was always up on two legs or snapping teeth. Now she is one of the easiest to catch and a very willing partner.

Horse agility is not “trick training,” which is sometimes levelled at it. It involves giving your horse confidence to “try” when things are scary, to “stop and think” instead of bolting for the horizon, and to look to you for guidance instead of taking charge and making a tricky situation even more dangerous.

Working with obstacles that equate to what might be “out there,” random poles could be fallen branches. The tarp, a river crossing, or some other surface they’ve not seen before and are uncertain about. Curtains or pool noodles might represent pushing through vegetation that, oh my goodness, touches them! You don’t need your horse to shoot forward and wipe you out of the saddle with a branch. Wait, saddle? I thought most of it was in-hand or groundwork.

Here's the thing: In my experience, the confidence your horse gains with you on the ground translates to them being a partner when you are in the saddle. For me personally, horse agility has taught me to listen to my horses, not to push and push and push until they give up and do it. Now, I change how I ask questions and praise every try. Amazingly, this has lowered my frustration levels when it’s not going as well as I hoped.

Horse agility. Good for the horse. Good for me. Building a partnership on the ground and translating it to success in the saddle.